Thursday, May 24, 2007

More from Alex...

on why he's sick.

"Maybe someone got in my heart and pushed my sick buttons."

The Baby Race

I have to share about this cute conversation with Alex. This afternoon as I was unloading the dishwasher and Alex was sitting at the table happily eating his Pedialyte popsicle, he began talking to me about being sick. He told me that when people are sick they go to the hospital and then they have a baby and feel better. I quickly explained to him that just because you are sick does not mean that you are going to have a baby. Somehow, that took our conversation to babies and Alex began talking about who would have the most babies. I wasn't sure what he was getting at. I asked him who was going to have the most babies and he said maybe my brother's family (watch out Cheryl ;) ) or perhaps us (*ha!*). I told him we weren't having anymore babies and he told me that he wants to have another baby. When I asked him why, he said because when Andrew got bigger, Jacob and Nicole got another baby. And then he said something about later they will have more babies and they are going to beat us. Funny. I didn't realize it was a race... :)

Almost Made It

Yesterday was the last day of school and I thought we were in the clear. No more sickness for awhile. Of course, there is still church functions and park play and playareas at the fast food restaurants where any of my children can pick up an illness - and chances are they will. But it just seems that most of what we've had, Alex has brought home from school. And though there are many places where he could have contracted this latest bug, public school still tops my accusation list.

So here we are, first day of summer vacation, at home. What was supposed to be a day of fun activities - library, lunch and play with Granny and Paw-Paw and finally a friend's birthday party - has turned into a day at home battling the stomach bug.

Please send prayers our way for a quick recovery for poor Alex and for all other family members to remain well!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Always the procrastinator

Throughout my life, I have always been a procrastinator. I don't know why - it's just how I do things. It's often made for one long, very stressful night, but I'd always get the job done. College, in particular, holds many memories of all-nighters spent finishing papers or assigned homework. You'd think a person would learn, but sometimes I think maybe that's how I work best. Under pressure.

Last week, Celeste posted about our latest craft evening. She mentioned my test crayon bag, a pattern I bought to make for my Sunday school students when they are promoted this fall. I recently decided it would make a great gift for each of the students in Alex's preshool class, as well. I took my time buying the fabric for the bags, still uncertain if I'd follow through with the plan. But then I just decided - why not?! This was just a couple days before I needed to have them completed. All eight of them! Monday was spent purchasing everything I'd need and then Tuesday was the day I planned to sew. And sew I did. All night. But thankfully Celeste came over and stayed past midnight working on a couple projects of her own, including the most precious coasters (I'll leave the details for her to post :) ). So I had someone to keep me company for part of the time and the rest of it flew by as I worked and worked until all eight bags were completed. Aside from a few design quirks, I think they turned out kind of cute. And though, once again, I managed to complete the task I set out to do, it's possible I may be getting a little too old for the all-nighter. ;)



Monday, May 21, 2007

First Haircut

I have to admire anyone who gives haircuts to their own children. I have attempted it with my boys, only to spend at least 30 stressful minutes, trying to get them to sit still and let me continue over and over again to fix little slip ups, either my fault or the result of a sudden head movement. But this morning, I gave Amy her first cut. Of course, it wasn't a true haircut as it was only her bangs. But it was still a scary feat for me and I am happy to say that I didn't mess up her hair too much. :)

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Campout Pictures and More

All campers were up by 7:15 this morning. I awoke at 6:30 and thought I heard them already downstairs, so I quickly dressed and hurried down, expecting to find a bunch of hungry people. But all was quiet and there was still no sign of life from out in the tent. It turns out, Bill did bring Nathan in briefly around 6am for a morning visit to the bathroom, and after that most of them were up. But they hung out for awhile in the tent, listening to birds and other sounds of nature, as well as a few, if not many, manmade noises. When they all came in, I knew they were anxious to eat and the quickest thing I had besides cereal was frozen pancakes. No one complained at the notion of this simple breakfast, so I went ahead with it. Then I discovered that we were low on syrup. Alex and Nathan eat waffles almost every morning and Amy does eat pancakes every morning, so we go through syrup quickly around here. I just didn't realize how low it had become! But everyone used it sparingly and we survived. I think to the adults, it was enough that there was fresh coffee. That's all we really need first thing in the morning, anyway, right?

The kids played for awhile after breakfast and then Celeste and Michael came down to visit, too. What a fun morning! I definitely think this will have to happen again in the near future, or at least when we have another pleasant evening (though that may not happen again until October!).

Needless to say, all the kids were tired this morning. I can't speak for Celeste's crew, but I can honestly say that my little ones have been anything but chipper today. Bill's company picnic was today, as well, so our family spent several hours outside again this afternoon. The kids had another fantastic time; they even got their face painted. Or at least, the boys did. Amy would never let a stranger get close enough to paint her face! But we've been fighting to keep the kids awake all afternoon. Aside from a couple small catnaps in the car, we've succeeded. So hopefully all will go to bed at a reasonable hour tonight and be refreshed and ready for church tomorrow morning. Or at least, we can only hope! ;)

Check out all the fun pictures!

Brian and Andrew

Andrew - How sweet is he!

The kids playing a game together

Brian reading to all

Alex, totally out!

A pirate and a tiger - very cute, but a lot of paint!

Friday, May 18, 2007

A Quiet Moment

As I sit here typing this in a darkened room with only light from the television and laptop to see by, Amy is snoring peacefully in my bed, snuggled close to her Kitty and one of Nathan's stuffed animals. It is 10:30pm, and I can still hear excited voices from the backyard. Bill, Alex and Nathan, along with Brian, Jacob, Nicole and Andrew, are all camping in one tent. It's a fairly large tent - fits 8-10 people, I believe. Though when you are talking about 5 children ages 6 and under, you might need to multiply the actual number when considering the total available space, at least for the playtime prior to sleep. :)

I wouldn't have thought I could see my boys any more excited than when they found out they were going to get to campout in the backyard tonight... until we told them they were going to get to do it with their friends (Nathan told me last night that Nicole is his best friend). I just love that they are getting to have these fun experiences and I love that Celeste and I have husbands who are willing to give them these types of experiences. Oh, the memories being made! In the meantime, I'm getting a little quiet time of my own. Could it get any better?

This whole event was actually just the icing on the cake when it comes to my day. I had an important meeting this morning related to homeschooling next year and I'm happy to say that it went very well. My mom had come to watch the kids and when I returned 3 hours later from my meeting, I learned that they'd been outside the entire time I was gone. And the kids still weren't ready to go in yet. I can't say that I blame them. The weather was just glorious today and it felt incredible to be outside. So, I threw aside all plans to work around the house and opted to hang outside with the kids - FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. We went in only briefly at one point, but returned outside soon after. We even ate dinner outside. Aside from the mosquitoes, it was a beautiful, amazing day. After a couple of stressful days with the kids, it was just the kind of day I needed.

And at this moment, as I glance into the backyard, I see only darkness. With the exception of Amy's soft snoring, there is only silence. I think some little people have finally reached their limit and are quietly whispering within the tent, or perhaps they are already slumbering peacefully. Either way, it looks like the guys have it under control. :)

Thank you, Lord, for this very special day - and night!!!

Happy Belated Birthday, Sis!

I'm sorry I did not post this on your birthday, but please know that I was thinking of you and wishing you the best on your special day. Happy Birthday, Lisa - I love you!

Monday, May 14, 2007

A Special Week

It has been almost a week since my dear husband's and sweet son's birthdays. It has been a long, fun-filled, crazy week. And though my intention had been to post a blog entry on each of their birthdays and then again following my son's party, I am just now getting an opportunity to sit at my computer and blog. So please excuse the long entry and many pictures. But so much has happened!

On May 9th we celebrated Bill's birthday. 10 years ago on his birthday, he took me out on our first real date to an expensive seafood restaurant. For many years after that we made a tradition out of going to that same restaurant for his birthday, just the two of us. But now there are 5 of us. And this year we went to a less expensive mexican food restaurant where they serve ice cream for dessert. Three little people were very happy and sticky upon completion of the birthday meal... actually, there were 5 happy, sticky people. :) We then went and bought Bill's birthday present together - a kayak. A man and his boat. What more could a man ask for?


Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!!!

The following day, May 10th, was Alex's birthday. His 5th birthday. I can't believe he's 5 already! I still remember bringing him home from the hospital. He was so tiny at 6lbs 3oz, and yet he had such an amazing head of hair... dark black hair - long, spiky, and sideburns even Elvis would have envied. What a cutie!


Bill took the day off and we kept Alex out of school to go to the zoo on this very special day. Everyone was a little tired after sharing in Daddy's big day, but we all had fun.





After our return home from the zoo, we went to Build-A-Bear at the mall. Nathan got to make a special friend on his birthday and we had promised Alex he'd get to when his birthday came around. So just as Alex had requested almost 6 months ago, he made a superhero bear and named him - what else - Bruce Wayne. Okay, I must confess. When asked for a name Alex said Batman. We suggested he give it a special name. I offered Batbear. Bill suggested Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne stuck. So here is Bruce Wayne the superhero Batbear... :)



We ate at the mall and then returned home to present to Alex his big gift from us. A new bike. And not just any bike. A Spiderman bike!


Happy Birthday, Big Boy!!!

And here is Amy at the mall after devouring one very large piece of pizza - too cute to leave out!

Finally the big day had arrived. Saturday we celebrated Alex's birthday with friends and family. Alex had been looking forward to this party for months. He had requested a "bad guy party". Well, needing something a little more specific, I suggested a pirate party. Alex loved the idea and I had something I could start planning for. Bill and I had fun with this one and I think the kids did, too!

The pirate ship I made Alex

The pirate ship Bill made Alex.





Last came Mother's Day. We got to celebrate my greatest calling in life. To me it is more a celebration of my children than it is about me being a mom. I am so grateful for these three little people who brighten my life and certainly keep it interesting. I feel so blessed to have been given these precious children to love and cherish.

My sister and her husband generously offered to host Mother's Day at their new lovely home. My sister played hostess to not only her family, but also her husband's. Thank you, Lisa, for the sacrifice you made on your own special day as a mother, to make the day special for all of us. We had such an enjoyable time, especially the kids, who are already looking forward to the next time they get to go swimming in your pool!



Even some of the "big kids" had a good time in the pool!

So that was our week. Busy, to say the least. But filled with love and lots of good memories.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Fun in the Sun

This past Saturday afternoon we decided to head to the beach. It would be Amy's first time to go so we were anxious to see what she thought of it. Alex and Nathan were both much younger their first time to the beach.




All three had a great time playing in the sand, doing their best to build a sandcastle. I had to help Amy build her own because all she wanted to do was build just enough so she could knock it back down. Alex was very opposed to this.




Sand - okay. Water - no way! Amy did not like to be in the water at all. She liked to be held while I stood in the water, but I better not even think about putting her down while she was anywhere near it!



Alex and Nathan loved the beach. I'm not sure when I last saw them have so much fun. I know once Amy gets used to it, she too will love the beach!